Advice for Local Pensioners
Pension Credit Resources
Winter Fuel Payment is a tax-free annual payment to help older people meet the cost of winter fuel bills. From November 2024 it will only be available to those claiming Pension Credit, certain other means-tested benefits or tax credits.
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You can check your eligibility for Pension Credit here: https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/eligibility
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You can calculate how much you may receive here: http://www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator
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You can apply for Pension Credit online here: https://apply-for-pension-credit.service.gov.uk/start
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You can apply for Pension Credit over the phone by calling 0800 991234
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You can request a copy of a paper form either by phone or online at the website above
Age UK is running Pension Credit information sessions across the district, including:
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Mondays 1-3pm at Wrose and Windhill Community Hub, BD18 1HX
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Tuesdays 1:30-3:30pm at Bradford East Community Hub, Idle, BD10 9PB
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Thursdays 1-2:30pm at Keighley and Ilkley Community Hub, Unit 8 Airedale Centre, BD21 3PF
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Fridays 2-4pm at Age UK Shipley and Bingley Hub, Unit 4-5 Arndale Mall, Shipley BD18 3QQ
Age UK’s information line is 01274 391190 - www.ageuk.org.uk/bradforddistrict
Other sources of help
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If you have any care needs, you may be eligible for Attendance Allowance – this increases the chance of you being eligible for Pension Credit. You can find out more online at https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance
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If you spend at least 35 hours per week caring for someone, you could be entitled to Carers Allowance – this also increases the chance of you being eligible for Pension Credit. There is more about this online at https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance
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The Warm Homes Healthy People scheme is available to people over 65 and those on low incomes, and aims to help people save money and keep warm through providing free independent energy advice and support.
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The Warm Homes Discount Scheme will open in October 2024 and provides a £150 discount on energy bills for those who receive Pension Credit or on a low income, and have high energy costs
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The Household Support Fund is provided for councils to make discretionary payments towards those most in need; it is currently being determined how this will be administered in Bradford and more information will provided when available. The payments will be made until January 2025
Useful websites
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How to save energy and lower your bills - Help for Households - a government website which provides advice on actions that households can take to cut their energy use and save money this winter
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Cost of Living Bradford - Helping Bradford District residents get through the Cost of Living Crisis - a website provided by Bradford Council and partners to support people with the cost of living